Clean Energy Deeds Done Dirty Cheap: Foam Done Right

In 2007 an Army study determined that the application of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) to the exterior of temporary structures (tents, SWA huts, etc.) would reduce energy requirements by 80% for power generation at forward operating bases. The picture above is what it looks like when it is done right. The structures are warmer, cooler, sound dampening (important for night shift folks) and are healthier (less dust in the interior). The work done to date in the AOR has saved over a billion of dollars. The cured SPF is nontoxic, fire-resistant and waterproof. The contracting officer must specify the contract according to standard, the contractor must be a professional of demonstrated ability and the contracting officer's technical representative must inspect the work to assure standards are met. Just like the FARs say.

At an Air Force energy conference in Orlando a couple of weeks ago, I heard government folks, who appeared not to have spent a day under canvas, disparage SPF. Since they worked in the R&D field for shelters, I dismissed it as the normal practice of finding fault with the current technology to promote their products. Then I received an article about a presentation Ms. Sharon Burke, ASD, Operational Energy Plans and Policy, presented at Harvard on operational energy with a continuation of the big lie.

I told you this story in order to tell you the next. Read on to the previous post.